Rugby Southland is proud to announce that six of its representative players have been selected to play in the upcoming New Zealand U20s rugby tournament. Tupou Kaufononga will play for the NZ Bravehearts, while Hunter Fahey, Hunter Areaiiti-Burgess, Jack Taylor, Liam McIntosh, and Caleb Williams will play for the Highlanders U20s.

In 2022 Tupou and Liam both played for the Supreme Siteworks Southland U19 side during the 2022 Phillips Group Rep rugby season, while Hunter Areaiiti-Burgess and Caleb Williams were key members of the SBHS 1^st XV. Jack Taylor was a contracted player for the Stags in the Bunnings NPC and Hunter Fahey played for Otago U19 while away for study and has since linked with the RML Rugby Southland Academy. These young athletes are all members or past members of the RML Rugby Southland Academy, which has been instrumental in developing rugby talent in the region.

Jack Taylor, who was already selected for the New Zealand U19s team in 2022, will be joined by his fellow Southland representatives as they compete for a spot on this year's New Zealand U20s squad. The black jersey is one of the most prestigious in world rugby, and all six players will be putting their best foot forward to state their case for selection.

Academy Manager Scott Eade is thrilled to have the young talent recognized and says it is a sign that things are on the up in the pathways space. "We are incredibly proud of Tupou, Hunter, Hunter, Jack, Liam, and Caleb for their selection in the New Zealand U20s tournament," Eade said. "It is a great achievement for them individually, but also for our academy, their families who have been extremely supportive of their rugby ambitions and for rugby in Southland."

The New Zealand U20s rugby tournament is a prestigious event, and the selection of these six Southland representatives is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Rugby Southland wishes them all the best as they compete for a spot on the U20s squad and the opportunity to wear the famous black jersey.

Games will be live on Sky Sport NZ on this Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Article added: Wednesday 15 March 2023